Wu Yi Tea: Definition, Classification, Benefits, Taste & Caffeine

What Is Wuyi Rock Tea?

Wu Yi tea is a type of oolong tea grown in the Wuyi mountain. The region is famous for the exceptional oolong teas produced. The tea has a highly individual flavor that is not reproduced anywhere else because of the high mineral content of the soil. The humid climate and the narrow valley enable the tea to grow without risk of scorching or bitterness. The oolongs from wuyishan are also often referred to as Wuyi rock tea (or in Chinese 'Yancha'). Da Hong Pao is the most popular Wuyi source tea, right after Rou Gui, Shui Xian, and Tieluohan.

There is a Chinese saying: 'every rock has tea, and without the rocks there is no tea.' If you're interested in the original Chinese writing, then see below:

岩岩有茶，非岩不茶 - Yán yán yǒu chá, fēi yán bù chá

The meaning of this saying is that there would be no oolong tea from Wuyishan, if there is no presence of the rock formations. It doesn't affect. The reason is that Wuyi source tea owns it taste to the rocks. Due to erosion, the mineral rich essence from mountains flow down with the rain water and get absorbed by the red soil.

“The teas by the stream are the most famous. The immortals in Wuyi mountain planted them long since."

Zhongyan Fan (Song Dynasty)

Wuyishan Oolong Tea Sampler

If you're curious about the diverse variety of wu yi tea styles, you should consider this Teasenz wuyi tea sampler.

Official Wu Yi Source Tea Criteria

Besides just the original growing location, there are more requirements for tea to be classified as original rock tea. For an oolong tea to be classified as original rock tea, it needs to be:

produced in 2798 square kilometers of land on the Wuyishan; In the next paragraph we will discuss more about the geographic classification.

production based original/traditional processing methodology;

and have a distinctive mineral taste and aroma.

The last requirement is a bit subjective, and requires tasting by experts.

Wuyi Oolong Tea Classification

Geology is of such importance that oolong teas from this region (yancha) are classified based on growing location:

Zhengyan 正岩: grown in the official Wuyishan region. The teas grown here are very expensive, but the taste is exceptional.

Banyan 半岩: grown in areas surrounding the official region with quality that closely matches zhengyan. The price quality of banyan is much better than zhengyan.

Zhouyan 洲茶: growing in areas further away from the official region. The quality of these teas usually don't come close to zhengyan and banyan.

The Taste Wu Yi tea?

For beginners, who never tried a Wu Yi oolong tea, the taste is often described as something between the taste of green tea and black tea.

Whether this is true or not, the logic behind this is that wu yi source tea has a fermentation level between that of non-fermented green and fully fermented black tea. When it comes to the intensity and thickness of the tea the fermentation level definitely matters, but one also has to take into account that the earthy mineral flavor plus the floral aroma makes this tea unique. You should definitely taste it yourself to grasp the amazing taste.

The complicated growing and harvesting processes to produce authentic Wu Yi tea is definitely time consuming. That is the reason this type of tea is more expensive than others. Any manufacturers that skip any of these crucial steps aren't producing authentic wu-yi tea.

Wuyi Rock Tea Benefits & Weight loss

What Can Wuyi Tea Do For You?

Oolong teas have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years. According to recent studies, it burns fat faster than green tea, and increases your metabolism resulting in natural, safe and weight loss. The reason is the natural substance called polyphenol, this is also found in green and black teas but in a much lower percentage. In addition, Wu Yi source tea also has other health benefits that have been scientifically studied and documented. Case studies show that tea reduces the effects of cholesterol, protects against cancer, strengthens bones and protects against tooth plaque and decay.

Because of the benefits, this tea is an excellent beverage for diet control purposes. At last, the detoxifying effect of Wuyi teas makes it also a great drink for an ultra cleansing effect. Though this tea can bring great results, there are a few potential side effects to be aware of, which we discuss in the next paragraph.

Wu Yi Tea Side Effects

Although Wu Yi teas have many benefits, consumers need to be aware that the amount of caffeine, which can increase the heart rate as well as create a spike in blood pressure. Drinking Wuyi tea can also affect your sleep, especially when consumed in the evening. However, the amount of caffeine is still significantly lower than in coffee.

Tea can also have diuretic effects and can have related side effects on the stomach. It's therefore important to avoid it on an empty stomach. The best moment to drink tea is 30 minutes after a breakfast and/or lunch.